He said his company is dealing with an “epidemic” of sextortion cases.

“We have seen children involved in revenge porn and sextortion, and this is on the increase,” said Mr Lotter. It is remarkable that these concepts even enter the minds of such young children.”

Children as young as 12 are often victims, he says, adding that 14-year-olds are the most common age group.

“We have dealt with a case which involved children as young as 12, although 14-year-olds are the most exploited age group. In general, sexting is reaching epidemic proportions.”

Children are easily lured, and Mr Lotter says his online tool allows parents to control and monitor their children’s online activities.

“It is very easy to draw an unsuspecting child into becoming a victim of sextortion,” he says.

“They get a message from someone they don’t know who sends them a picture, perhaps pretending to be a member of the opposite sex. Then they send a naked picture and ask the victim to send them one back, and before they know it the child is being extorted for more photographs.”